Understanding Networking Basics

Network Connections

Network Connections

You must make two types of connections to use shared network resources:

•A physical connection

•A logical connection

Physical Connection

In order for resources and information to be shared on a network, servers, client workstations, and other network devices must be physically connected.

Each device on the network must have a network board. A cable attached to the network board provides the communication pathway, as shown in Figure 1-2.

Network board

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Cable

Figure 1-2

Network Board and Cabling

The physical connection determines the kind of cable used, the way the cable is configured (called the topology of the network), and the way information is transmitted over the cable (called the protocol).

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